Quentin Lake was routinely among the last UCLA players to depart the practice field last season. He would linger for extra work pushing a tackling sled or perfecting the technique that he hoped would allow him to disrupt receivers once he gained a more prominent role.
That moment came early in spring practice last month when Lake lined up at strong safety with a group of starters. There was no fanfare, or even advance notice.
Lake's rise has come partially as the result of listening to his father. Few would be better positioned to give advice.